Well what can I say. I am feeling so proud today.
I have to be honest, I am one of the faddiest people I know. All guns blazing then fizzle out. Not this time. I needed to get active so lockdown 2 came and I was determined not to put any more weight on and to use the time for something productive, get fitter!
I downloaded the app and in the back of my mind I thought, well I might complete it. I wanted to and had every intention of doing my best, but I knew what I could be like.
I enlisted my friend to join me, which she did until around week 4 when she injured herself. This is about the time I discovered the forum, searching for some moral support to stop me from stopping.
Well it came in bucket loads, an amazing place to get hints, tips, share in others successes, as you progress also help others and see how people just like me, manage to conquer this programme. That is what has kept me going, I know it is. Like a team, egging each other on.
This morning, I had a few niggles from the efforts of running and walking over the past few days, but the graduation carrot dangling in my face pushed all of that out of the way.
I got dressed, initially leggings back to front, must have been the nerves😂 warmed up, hydrated and set out the front door.
I tried to set the app going and it just would not load. I could have cried. It took some intervention by my ever supportive husband to set me going and I was off. Music on, Jo introducing. I wondered whether the podcast would have been a new one, dedicated to celebrating the fact it was the last run, but I recognised that it was just the generic week 9 podcast
I didn't get as far as I normally would on my warm up walk, " come in Lindsey, what's up with you?!Get moving!" I started running and I felt myself getting excited about the homebound run knowing I'd have that virtual trophy. I then felt my watch buzz. It was telling me only 10% battery, please don't go off, I thought.
I got to my 10 minute marker at the same time so I'd made up a bit of ground. I ran the next 5 mins wondering where my turn around point would end up as I'd been pushing the last 2 runs to at least cover 5k including my warm up and cool down walk. I decided that the second lamppost was enough as the bell rang. I know I'll bit 5k there... just.
The slight incline with a headwind on the way home was a bit of a challenge but I was over half way and I wasn't stopping for love nor money. The route flattened out and I felt more that I could do it, why would I? I've already done this run twice.
I also seem to have found a new hobby which is watching you tube running tip videos. As I ran I felt myself tweaking things to see how it helped. I am definitely going to concentrate on those things because tweaks here and there do seem to assist in smoother running technique, tuck my bum under a bit, drive more with my arms, etc.
The final push, there seemed to be loads of people out, buggies, families, getting their lock down exercise. This pushed me up the steep verge and onto the road for a time. Nearly there.... Jo then tells me I can stop and that the confetti cannons should be going off.... Fabulous!! I've really tried to up my pace a bit in that last minute or so, and weirdly my legs felt comfy. There's definitely more in me yet. I slowed down to a walk, I'd done it. I had completed the graduation run. My watch said a distance of 4.69 k before cool down walk. I hit 5.01k at 38 mins 31 which is an improvement on W9R1 40.21.
I reach home, slightly recovered, elated, proud, excited for what's to come and impressed by my own dedication to complete the programme.
I'm so happy I started this journey. Thank you to all who have helped me along the way, it means a lot and I couldn't have done it without you.
For now, just...WOOOOOHHHOOOOOO🤣😂🤩🏃🏼♀️🏃🏼♀️🎉🎉🎊🎊🥳
Graduation Run - I Did It!
I can't believe I've GRADUATED !!!!!
How did that happen I've only gone and graduated!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :)
I did it! I’m a Graduate!
Graduation Run - I DID IT 👩🎓 
